/'mæfɪə; [US] mɑ:f-; `mɑfɪə/
n [CGp]
1 the Mafia
(a) secret organization of criminals in Sicily 黑手党（西西里岛的秘密犯罪组织）.
(b) similar organization active esp in Italy and the USA 类似黑手党的犯罪组织（尤指在意大利和美国活动的）
*[attrib 作定语] a Mafia boss, gang, killing, plot 黑社会的首领、匪帮、谋杀、阴谋.
2 mafia (derog or joc 贬或谑) group of people who (are thought to) exert great influence secretly （被认为）秘密施加巨大影响的一夥人
*The town hall mafia will prevent this plan going through. 市政厅的幕後操纵集团将阻挠这一计画.

n
[Date: 1800-1900; Language: Italian;Origin:Italian dialect, 'great confidence, proud talk']
the Mafia
a large organized group of criminals who control many illegal activities, especially in Italy and the US
[singular]
a powerful group of people within an organization or profession who support and protect each other
　the medical mafia